Beyond The Shrouded Horizon review

Steve Hackett knows the essence of music

It is difficult and nearly impossible to imagine the legendary band Genesis without Steve Hackett – he contributed a lot to its development. One can enjoy his virtuosic play, which sounds amazing regardless of the environment on nine of the group’s albums. In a studio or on stage during the show, Steve has always done his best, and listeners loved him for that very dedication to music and creativity. It is amazing, but Steve always had enough time and strength to be a part of the band and also to work on his own solo albums. Thus, his debut work titled Voyage of the Acolyte appeared in 1975, right before the release of Genesis’ hit long play A Trick of the Tail that took the third place in the chart of Great Britatin. Hackett is not accustomed to compromises, that is why if he started to do something, he got the necessary result. Successful activity in one of the strongest progressive rock bands Genesis, not less successful solo career and music lovers’ acknowledgment – Hackett proved what he can do many times. Virtuoso and innovator, Steve influenced the manner of playing of numerous famous guitarists. Of course it goes without saying that his every single album kindles millions of listeners’ interest. Maestro’s new long-awaited long play Beyond The Shrouded Horizon was released in 2011.

Welcome to the world of genres

Steve Hackett conquered many musical directions. Ethnic and classical music, rock – the guitarist easily surfs between the genres. Such diversity is presented on Beyond The Shrouded Horizon as well. Even within one composition Steve can play with the sound. Thereby the very first track called Loch Lomond brings us the change of moods: acoustic guitar is changed by the powerful electro guitar solo. But the transitions are performed so smoothly that the song’s consistency is not broken. Loch Lomond is followed by the rock composition The Phoenix Flown, which was given an incredible solo with Eastern motives. Actually, Steve has always had full mutual understanding with melodies. Once again it is proved by Til These Eyes, Waking To Life, Summer's Breath and many other songs. The musician did a great job of combining the energy of electro guitars and the delicacy of acoustic instruments. Arpeggios, beautiful plunking and elaborated chords will please the real connoisseurs of guitar art.

The new masterpiece from maestro Hackett

There are musicians who constantly stir up interest for themselves and try to attract listeners’ attention by all means. There is no doubt that Steve Hackett does not have to do that, and there is one good reason for that – he established a reputation of a talented performer back in seventies, and he never gave a single subject to question his dedication to music. His albums are always of the highest possible quality, and it feels that Steve’s fantasy is huge enough to produce a great number of songs in the future. They are always different and are well-remembered due to their originality and concept. Thus, for example, Beyond The Shrouded Horizon has four interdependent compositions: Four Winds are divided into parts of world. And sure thing that every song has its unique mood. Beyond The Shrouded Horizon already took the notable part in the virtuosic guitarist’s discography and it let us all know that Steve Hackett still can create truly beautiful music, just like he used to.